3 Takeaways: Powerhouse Hoops 15U vs. UBC 16U
Powerhouse’s 15U team is one of the top teams in the nation while UBC has one of the top teams at 16U from Utah. Both of the teams competed at a high level and have prospects who showed flashes of being good enough to play at the collegiate level at some point. These two groups met up at the West Coast Elite event in California during the 2nd live period of July.
UBC shot the basketball well from deep early in the game which allowed them to lead for a portion of the 1st and 2nd half. However, as the game progressed, the length and athleticism of the PHH 15U team wore on them and was inevitably the game changer.
1. DaRon Holmes’ Versatility
Holmes’ versatility was demonstrated at a high level throughout the course of this game. While PHH played a lot of zone throughout the game, Holmes’ versatility enabled them to do so. He played an array of positions and made an impact in multiple ways.
Holmes was impressive in his ability to rebound the basketball among the strong and lengthy bigs of UBC. Zach Visentin is strong and long. Further, he knows how to use his body to position himself for finishes around the rim and post touches. In fact, UBC ran a lot of “Horns” sets designed to get him touches on deep seals.
With that said, Holmes showed that while he might have the same strength as Visentin that he is a great athlete who is capable of cleaning up the glass. Versatility is the word of the day for Holmes and it is the reason why he has a number of NCAA Division-I coaches drooling over him.
2. Shooters Delight
Early in the game, Brox Ashby Brox Ashby 6'0" | PG Hillcrerst | 2020 State UT demonstrated that he is not afraid to let it fly from deep. UBC was struggling with generating offense early. However, a couple of nice drive and kicks led to Ashby putting up 6 points on consecutive 3 balls. This game UBC confidence and rhythm.
While Ashby demonstrated that he is capable shooter for UBC, Max Majerle Max Majerle 6'4" | SF Arcadia | 2021 State AZ shot it well for PHH. In addition to knocking down some 3s, Majerle demonstrated an improved ability to get into the paint and create for himself and for others.
Both teams have multiple capable shooters which made it extremely hard to play help side defense. Zone defense was the norm in this one in the 1st half with little doubt that the opposing coaches wanted to try to create as much gap control as possible to eliminate easy drives and wide open 3s.
3. Size Wins
While UBC put up quite a fight, Powerhouse 15U has as much length as any team in the nation. Holmes was mentioned previously, however, he is merely the beginning. The group also boasts skilled big men Dylan Anderson Dylan Anderson 7'0" | C Perry | 2022 State #88 Nation AZ , Carter Van Hammond Carter Van Hammond 6'9" | C Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ , and Matur Dhal Matur Dhal 6'10" | C Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ .
While Anderson and Van Hammond are the more skilled prospects at this point, Dhal impressed me greatly. His motor is extremely high. He rim runs offensively while always getting back on defense. Further, he competes on the glass and does everything he can to make game winning plays.
UBC did a good job of getting Visentin involved. Further, Samuel Phipps had moments where he looked like a very intriguing prospect due to his length and athleticism. However, they relied heavily on their guards and wings to compete with the length of PHH. Over time, the PHH depth proved to be too much.